A fire erupted at the Chiltern Firehouse, a luxury hotel and restaurant in central London, on Valentine's Day, originating from the establishment's pizza oven. The blaze ignited when burning wood fell from the oven, setting fire to the void between the basement and ground floor, as stated by the London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The incident resulted in extensive damage to the five-star hotel, known for hosting celebrities and elite events. Shortly before 3 PM on Friday, the fire spread rapidly through ducting and ventilation systems, impacting the ground floor, destroying the third floor and roof, and significantly affecting half of the second floor.
Firefighters were deployed immediately, with over 125 personnel responding to the call. They worked tirelessly for more than eight hours under challenging conditions to contain the fire. "Crews worked incredibly hard for over eight hours in arduous conditions. Presented with a complex fire in a historically significant building, former Manchester Square Fire Station, firefighters successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties," said Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt of the LFB.
Fortunately, around 100 guests and staff were evacuated before the Brigade's arrival, and remarkably, there were no injuries reported. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as intense, with guests being rushed out as firefighters battled the flames. Photos circulating from the event displayed firefighters using two 32-meter ladders to combat the fire from above, showcasing the scale of the incident.
The historical significance of the Chiltern Firehouse, housed within the walls of the former fire station established in 1889, added to the emotional weight of the event. "The damage is immense - the hotel will need to be gutted and totally refurbished. It's very sad," commented one witness, articulately capturing the sentiments of loss surrounding the venue.
Due to the fire, Chiltern Firehouse had to cancel its anticipated post-BAFTA Film Awards party, scheduled for Sunday evening. Located on Chiltern Street, the hotel had gained fame for attracting high-profile clientele, including Taylor Swift, Tom Cruise, and Madonna, among others. "It is with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation we watched a remarkable 140 firefighters from over 20 stations rapidly descend on what they told me was a hugely sentimental building for so many of them," said André Balazs, the hotel’s owner, expressing gratitude for the swift response from the fire brigade.
Mr. Balazs noted the investigation was underway to determine the precise cause of the fire, but initial findings led to the conclusion it was accidental. The venue will remain closed until future notice, affecting not only its residents but also the local business as the hotel often drew patrons seeking fine dining and nightlife.
Historically, the Chiltern Firehouse has been more than just accommodation; it’s been a social hub since its opening, revered by locals and visiting stars alike. While many regulars lament the temporary closure, alternative plans have been set, with reports indicating Netflix’s party has been relocated to The Twenty Two in Mayfair, and guests have turned to nearby lodgings at the Holmes Hotel.
Despite the fire's devastation, one can expect the allure of the Chiltern Firehouse to remain strong. It stands as more than just bricks and mortar; it’s part of the London culture, embodying the intersection of hospitality and celebrity. The road to recovery may be long, but as restorations take place, the Chiltern Firehouse will likely return to reclaim its position as one of London’s must-visit luxury destinations.